Six Nations Betting: England can beat Ireland at Twickenham

Simon Mail
20 February 2014

Wales need a strong response after their defeat to Ireland

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Simon Mail previews the next round of the Six Nations where Wales are fancied to produce a rousing response against France...

"The hosts have plenty to prove after their dismal showing in Dublin and it would be a surprise if Warren Gatland did not provoke a significant reaction from his team."

Wales v France
Friday February 21, 8pm
Live on BBC One

Wales have come under scrutiny after the defending champions were comprehensively beaten in Ireland two weeks ago. Warren Gatland's side were made to look very ordinary by their opponents and the New Zealander will be expecting a strong response this weekend. Gatland has made some bold decisions after deciding to leave out scrum-half Mike Phillips with Rhys Webb getting the nod for his first start. George North has also been switched from the wing to outside centre. After two disappointing performances, the pressure is on Wales to deliver.

France have started the Six Nations with two victories but it hasn't been completely convincing despite these results. Phillipe Saint-Andre's side were fortunate to snatch a win over England in the opener and relied on flashes of brilliance in the next game against Italy. It is always difficult to predict what you will get from the French but it has still been a marked improvement from the shambolic efforts of last season.

Wales have won the last two meetings between the sides including their 16-6 win in France 12 months ago. The hosts have plenty to prove after their dismal showing in Dublin and it would be a surprise if Gatland did not provoke a significant reaction from his team. France are always dangerous but preference is for Wales to come out firing at the Millennium Stadium. It could pay off to back them to overcome the small handicap and also win by a narrow margin.

Italy v Scotland
Saturday February 22, 1.30pm
Live on BBC One

The wooden spoon is likely to hinge on this clash and Italy go into this match as favourites to overcome struggling Scotland. The Italians have shown promise despite suffering defeats in their opening two matches. Jacques Brunel's team were unlucky to lose in Wales and gave France numerous problems in the first half. These efforts will give them confidence to get off the mark this weekend.

It has been a very disappointing start to the Six Nations for Scotland. Their attack has been impotent in the first two matches as they lost in Ireland, before failing to score a single point at home to England. Richie Gray's return to the second row is a positive move but Scotland will have to show a significant improvement to come away with a victory this weekend.

Current form suggests Italy could have the edge and recent history also offers optimism for them. The last three home matches against Scotland have all resulted in victories. Italy have also beaten France over the last year so they will have no fear heading into the match. Those wins over Scotland in Rome were all by seven points or less so take Italy to claim another tight success.

England v Ireland
Saturday February 22, 4pm
Live on BBC One

England return home to play their first match of the campaign at Twickenham. Stuart Lancaster's side could so easily have won their opening two games but were pipped late on in France. England had no such problems in Scotland and if anything should have won by a lot more than 20 points. A neck injury has ruled prop Dan Cole out of the rest of the competition but exciting Bath fly-half George Ford could win his first cap from off the bench.

It has been an extremely impressive start by Ireland with two convincing victories taking them to the top of the table. Joe Schmidt has opted to pick the same team which dismantled Wales which means Brian O'Driscoll will equal the international record of 139 caps. Ireland are going for the Triple Crown but will probably need to raise their level again to land a third consecutive win.

England have prevailed in recent encounters with wins in the last three clashes including two away from home. The ambition Lancaster's team have shown this year has been very encouraging and a win here will put them in a strong position to win the title. There is no doubt that Ireland will offer a severe examination but England are fancied to edge this contest. With home advantage, it may also be worth backing England to be winning at half time and full time.

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